A 22-year-old artisanal miner has been sentenced to an effective four years in prison by the Bulawayo Regional Court after attacking a neighbourhood watch member with an axe and stealing his phone and cash at Mbelesini Business Centre.
Wellington Mangena, 22, of Khalilu Line in Ntabazinduna, appeared before a Bulawayo Regional magistrate facing charges of attempted murder and theft.
The court heard that at around 4pm on July 6, 2026, Mangena was at Mbelesini Business Centre armed with an axe and threatening residents.
A 36-year-old man, who is a member of the neighbourhood watch committee, approached Mangena in an attempt to restrain his disruptive behaviour.
Mangena allegedly charged at the complainant and struck him several times on the head, back and legs with the axe.
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The attack left the victim with deep cuts to his head and lower back.
After the assault, Mangena allegedly stole the victim’s Mobicel smartphone valued at US$120 and US$250 in cash before fleeing the scene.
Police launched investigations following the attack, leading to Mangena’s arrest on August 16, 2026, at a tollgate while he was en route to Bulawayo.
The stolen property was not recovered.
Mangena was sentenced to five years in prison, with one year suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit any offence involving violence or theft.
He will therefore serve an effective four years in prison.
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